08 Handout 1 PDF: National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (Philippines)

SH1639 The Powers and Functions of the National Disaster Powers and Functions of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Risk Reduction and Management Cou...

SH1639 The Powers and Functions of the National Disaster Powers and Functions of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Policymaking Develop an NDRRMF which shall provide for a Under RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and comprehensive, all-hazards, multi-sectoral, Management Act of 2010, the National Disaster Coordinating Council interagency, and community-based approach to or NDCC was renamed as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and disaster risk reduction and management. The Management Council (NDRRMC) or the NDRRMC or the National Framework shall serve as the principal guide to Council. The National Council was also given broader powers and disaster risk reduction and management efforts in included more stakeholders such as the civil society and private the country and shall be reviewed on a five-year sectors. Based on the PDRRM law, the National Council is headed by interval, or as may be deemed necessary, to ensure the following members of the Cabinet, namely, its relevance to the times; Formulate, harmonize, and translate into policies a Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) as national agenda for research and technology Chairperson, development on disaster risk reduction and Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government management; and (DILG) as Vice Chairperson for Disaster Preparedness, In coordination with the Climate Change Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Commission, formulate and implement a framework for climate change adaptation and disaster risk (DSWD) as Vice Chairperson for Disaster Response, reduction and management from which all policies, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) programs, and projects shall be based. as Vice Chairperson for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, and Coordination Advise the President on the status of disaster Director-General of the National Economic and Development preparedness, prevention, mitigation, response, and Authority (NEDA) as Vice Chairperson for Disaster Rehabilitation rehabilitation operations being undertaken by the government, CSOs, private sector, and volunteers; and Recovery (Section Five of RA10121). Recommend to the President the declaration of a state of calamity in areas extensively damaged and Apart from the Cabinet Secretaries and- heads of national and local submit proposals to restore normalcy in the affected government agencies and offices, the National Council also includes areas, to include calamity fund allocation; representatives from the civil society organizations (CSOS) and the Establish a national early warning and emergency private sector. According to the law, representatives from the CSOs alert system to provide accurate and timely advice and the private sector shall be selected from among their respective to national or local emergency response ranks based on the criteria and mechanisms to be set for this purpose organizations and to the general public through diverse mass media to include digital and analog by the National Council (Ibid.). broadcast, cable, satellite television and radio, wireless communications, and landline The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council communications; (NDRRMC) or the National Council is mandated by law with policy- Develop vertical and horizontal coordination making, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation functions. The table mechanisms for a more coherent implementation of below identifies the various powers and functions of the National disaster risk reduction and management policies Council as stipulated in the law. and programs by sectoral agencies and LGUs; and Constitute a technical management group composed of representatives of the abovementioned departments, offices, and organizations, that shall coordinate and meet as 08 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 1 of 8  SH1639 often as necessary to effectively manage and treaties to which it is a party and see to It that the sustain national efforts on disaster risk reduction country's disaster management treaty obligations be and management. incorporated in its disaster risk reduction and Integration Ensure multi-stakeholder participation in the management frameworks, policies, plans, development, updating, and sharing of a Disaster programs, and projects. Risk Reduction and Management Information System and Geographic Information System-based Mandated by the law to administer a comprehensive national civil national risk map as policy, planning, and decision- defense and disaster risk reduction and management program by making tools; and providing leadership in the continuous development of strategic and Develop appropriate risk transfer mechanisms that systematic approaches as well as measures to reduce the shall guarantee social and economic protection and increase resiliency in the face of disaster. vulnerabilities and risks to hazards and manage the consequences of Supervision Manage and mobilize resources for disaster risk disasters is the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). The Administrator of reduction and management including the National the OCD also serves as Executive Director of the National Council Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund; who performs the same duties and enjoys privileges of a department and undersecretary. The law requires that all appointees shall be Task the OCD to conduct a periodic assessment universally acknowledged experts in the field of disaster preparedness and performance monitoring of the member- and management and of proven honesty and integrity. The law also agencies of the NDRRMC, and the Regional provides that the National Council employs the services and facilities Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils of the OCD as the secretariat of the National Council (Section 8 or RA (RDRRMCs), as defined in the NDRRMP. 10121). Monitoring and Ensure that the NDRRMP is consistent with the Evaluation NDRRMF; The table at the next page lists the broad powers and functions of the Monitor the development and enforcement by agencies and organizations of the various laws, Office of Civil Defense. For purposes of brevity and clarity, these guidelines, codes, or technical standards required powers and functions are classified into policy-making, coordination, by this Act; integration, supervision, monitoring, and evaluation functions. Monitor and provide the necessary guidelines and procedures on the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Powers and Functions of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and and Management Fund (LDRRMF) releases as well Management Council (NDRRMC) as utilization, accounting, and auditing thereof; Policymaking Formulate and implement the NDRRMP and ensure that Develop assessment tools on the existing and the physical framework, social, economic, and potential hazards and risks brought about by climate environmental plans of communities, cities, change to vulnerable areas and ecosystems in municipalities, and provinces are consistent with such a coordination with the Climate Change Commission; plan. The National Council shall approve the NDRRMP. Formulate a national institutional capability-building Coordination Advise the National Council on matters relating to program for disaster risk reduction and management disaster risk reduction and management consistent to address the specific weaknesses of various with the policies and scope as defined in this Act; government agencies and LGUs, based on the Formulate standard operating procedures for the results of a biennial baseline assessment and deployment of rapid assessment teams, information studies; and sharing among different government agencies, and Coordinate or oversee the implementation of the coordination before and after disasters at all levels; country's obligations with disaster management 08 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 2 of 8  SH1639 Establish standard operating procedures on the Ensure that government agencies and LGUs give communication system among provincial, city, top priority and take adequate and appropriate municipal, and barangay disaster risk reduction and measures in disaster risk reduction and management councils, for purposes of warning and management; alerting them and for gathering information on Provide advice and technical assistance and assist disaster areas before, during and after disasters; in mobilizing necessary resources to increase the and overall capacity of LGUs, specifically the low income Establish an operating facility to be known as the and in high-risk areas; and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Create the necessary offices to perform its mandate Operations Center (NDRRMOC) that shall be as provided under this Act. operated and staffed on a twenty-four-hour basis. Monitoring and Develop and ensure the implementation of national Integration Identify, assess and prioritize hazards and risks in Evaluation standards in carrying out disaster risk reduction consultation with key stakeholders; programs including preparedness, mitigation, Establish Disaster Risk Reduction and Management prevention, response, and rehabilitation works, from Training Institutes in such a suitable location as may data collection and analysis, planning, be deemed appropriate to train public and private implementation, monitoring, and evaluation; individuals, both local and national, in such subjects Review and evaluate the Local Disaster Risk as disaster risk reduction and management among Reduction and Management Plans (LDRRMPs) to others. The Institute shall consolidate and prepare facilitate the integration of disaster risk reduction training materials and publications of disaster risk measures into the local Comprehensive reduction and management books and manuals to Development Plan (CDP) and Comprehensive assist disaster risk reduction and management Land-Use Plan (CL-UP); workers in the planning and implementation of this Ensure that all disaster risk reduction programs, program and projects. The Institute shall conduct projects, and activities requiring regional and research programs to upgrade knowledge and skills international support shall be following duly and document best practices on disaster risk established national policies and aligned with reduction and management. The Institute is also international agreements; and mandated to conduct periodic awareness and Conduct early recovery and post-disaster needs education programs to accommodate new elective assessment institutionalizing gender analysis as officials and members of the LDRRMCs; part of it. Create an enabling environment for substantial and sustainable participation of CSOs, private groups, volunteers, and communities, and recognize their The State as a Duty Bearer contributions in the government's disaster risk The state as a duty bearer refers to the state as primarily reduction efforts; and responsible for protecting its people and protecting their human rights. Prepare the criteria and procedure for the enlistment The state must protect the right's bearer - the people - their rights of accredited community disaster volunteers including protection from disaster injuries. Moreover, the state is (ACDVS). It shall include a manual of operations for accountable to the people - as it should avert loss of lives and the volunteers which shall be developed by the OCD livelihood and stop harm to the environment and social resources. in consultation with various stakeholders. Supervision Ensure that the LGUs, through the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices According to Rawinji (n.d.), if a state is inspired by its responsibility (LDRRMOs) are properly informed and adhere to to "respect, protect, facilitate, and fulfill human rights, the state will be the national standards and programs; invested in disaster risk reduction initiatives, ensure earthquake- 08 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 3 of 8  SH1639 resistant buildings, fire-safe environments, and food security." appreciate the local build a picture of the However, some states are not investing that much in disaster risk social relationships, nature, needs, and reduction and to stop disaster damages. The focus of a lot of states is power structures, and resources of the on relief delivery operations. The state must realize that it has a moral key economic groups community gathering and to build/develop information about and legal obligation to safeguard the rights of the people. Therefore, informal relation with social groups, cultural the state must change its approach from being reactive to proactive. the local people. arrangements, This approach requires adopting the principle of prevention, economic activities, mitigation, and preparedness. Through this approach, the state fulfills spatial characteristics, its title as chief duty bearer and the people are trained to become and vulnerable resilient. households and groups; and Stages of Disaster Risk Reduction Process facilitate effective people's participation A thorough assessment of the community's vulnerabilities, coping through immersion in capacities, and the risks it faces is needed to start any risk reduction the community, being activities. The active involvement of communities, subject experts, and transparent about its Local Government Units (LGUs) are important in decision-making to purpose, participation promote ownership and sustainability. in daily life activities in the community, listen to Stage Description Requirements the people's issues, Selecting the LGU is tasked to Criteria for Identifying learn new skills from Community conduct a thorough Communities for CBDRRM local, and perform local risk assessment activities: tasks. survey of its area of the severity risk Participatory PDRA is a process of The PDRA process is jurisdiction. CBDRRM exposure of the Disaster Risk identifying the risk undertaken by the local activities depend on community; Assessment exposure of government authorities with several factors, more number of people who (PDRA) communities and the involvement of local significantly the risk will benefit from DRR people's ways of people, community leaders, exposure of a specific activities; overcoming those and subject experts. community. the readiness of the risks. This process community to engage in includes hazard DRR activities; assessment, capacity poverty status of the assessment, community; vulnerability government priority of assessment and physical, social, and analysis, and economic vulnerability; prioritization of risks. budget availability; and Community- This stage refers to This stage requires a risk Based Disaster the further analysis of reduction response plan for accessibility Risk Management disaster risks and the selected communities Rapport Building After the community Local government and Planning identification of and involves an analysis of and selection, it is nongovernmental resolutions and local stakeholders and Understanding essential to organizations make sure to: resources. 08 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 4 of 8  SH1639 strategies to address All the mentioned criteria would not be equally important in a given them. area. The local authorities can make decisions based on factors that Community- This stage refers to The community-based might be more important locally, than the others. A thorough survey Managed the implementation of organization is will need to be conducted for the identification of vulnerable Implementation the plan through the responsible for the communities. organization at the overall management of community level. disaster reduction Support is provided by activities. Rapport Building and Understanding the local authorities The local authorities Once the most vulnerable communities are identified, it would be and research play facilitating and important to understand the local social relationships, power institutions. coordinating roles, as structures, key economic groups, and to build good informal well as technical, for relationships with the local people. This will be crucial to ensure the disaster reduction participation of various local groups. activities. a. The local authorities and NGOs who support the community in Monitoring and This stage refers to PME involves the local disaster risk reduction need to build a picture of the nature, needs, Evaluation monitoring and community, development evaluation of disaster agencies, local authorities, and resources of the community. This step usually involves risk reduction and other stakeholders in interacting and integrating with the community and gathering basic activities. the progress of disaster risk information to have a general description of the community. reduction activities. b. A relationship of trust and friendship is the key to facilitate effective participation. If community members have trust in the outsiders Selecting the Community who are working with them, then Open sharing about issues, The first task of LGUs is to conduct a detailed risk assessment survey problems, concerns, and solutions can take place. Local of the whole area under its jurisdiction. The selection of communities authorities can take several actions to develop trust with and an for implementation of CBDRRM activities depends upon several understanding of the community. This can include the following factors and criteria, but most importantly the risk exposure of the particular community. Given below is a list of the criteria for identifying (Chambers, 1997): communities for CBDRRM activities: Living in the community a. The severity of the community's exposure to risk (most Being transparent and open about their purpose vulnerable) Participating in daily life activities in the community and b. Number of people to benefit from Disaster Risk Reduction cultural events (DRR) activities Listening to the issues and problems of local people c. The readiness of the community to engage in Disaster Risk Learning new skills from local people Reduction activities Performing local tasks d. Poverty status of the community e. The governmental priority of physical, social, and economic The behavior of local authority staff is very important in establishing a vulnerability proper relationship of trust and openness. Ways in which they should f. Budget availability behave include: g. Accessibility Show humility Respect local culture, problems, and way of life Be patient 08 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 5 of 8  SH1639 Have an interest in what people have to say and priority communities. This process involves hazard assessment, Be observant rather than judgmental, and vulnerability assessment and capacity assessment, and analysis and Have confidence that local people can achieve what they set prioritization of risks. The participatory disaster risk assessment will out to do and transmit that confidence be conducted by the local authorities with the involvement of local people, community leaders, and subject experts. An understanding of the community's development position and the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management Planning context upon which disasters will impact the community includes the At this stage, further analysis will be conducted jointly by the local following basic elements: authorities and communities to analyze the risks and identify a. Social groups strategies and solutions to address them. Based on this analysis, a i. The main ethnic, class, religious, and language-based groups detailed risk reduction and response plan will be developed for in the community particular communities. The planning process will involve an analysis ii. The majority, the minority, and the nature of their relationships of local stakeholders and local resources. The roles and b. Cultural arrangements responsibilities of the various stakeholders for the implementation of i. How are the family and community level structures activities will be clarified. organized? ii. What hierarchies exist? Community-Managed Implementation iii. What are the common ways of behaving, celebrating, and The implementation of the plan should be done through the expressing? organization at the community level with support from local authorities c. Economic activities and technical and research institutions. The implementation process i. What are the major livelihood sources and what are the will include various structural and nonstructural activities (e.g., community training, disaster response drills, community early warning associated activities that people carry out? systems, disaster-resilient construction of houses, forest plantations, ii. How is labor divided in the community? mangrove plantation, diversification of crops, rainwater harvesting, iii. What is the relationship between livelihood activities and construction of dikes, bridges, etc. for vulnerability reduction and seasonality? hazard mitigation). d. Spatial characteristics i. Where are the housing areas, public service facilities (e.g. The community-based. organization will be responsible for the overall schools, temples, health clinics, evacuation centers), management of disaster reduction activities. The local authorities agricultural land, etc., located? should play a facilitating and coordinating role for the implementation e. Vulnerable households and groups of the community plan and mobilization of resources. They would also i. Who might be the most vulnerable groups or households, need to provide essential technical assistance to the communities for given the locations of their houses, sources of livelihoods, hazard mitigation and vulnerability reduction. Since the local ethnic and cultural positions, etc.? communities may not have the technical skills and knowledge to undertake various disaster reduction tasks (e.g., construction of dikes, Participatory Disaster Risk Assessment construction of disaster-resistant houses, or hazard assessment). Participatory Disaster Risk Assessment is a process to identify the risks that communities, villages, communes face and how people Monitoring and Evaluation overcome those risks. This will be conducted in the most vulnerable Participatory monitoring and evaluation (PME) involve the local community, development agencies, local authorities, and other 08 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 6 of 8  SH1639 stakeholders in measuring the progress made and identifying readiness or emergency preparedness. Emergency preparedness necessary follow up actions. Harmony among all the groups in PME involves the prediction of a potential emergency which requires hazard is an important factor for success. mapping, risk assessment, and analysis. Nonetheless, it is important to remind the local authorities to alter the hazards to avert the Despite people's vulnerability, experience proves that people still have occurrence of the emergency and to reduce community vulnerability capacities and are not helpless in times of disasters. During disasters, (UNCHR and NDCC, 2003). it is the people themselves who initiate the necessary steps to survive even before aid givers/duty-bearers arrive at the disaster scene. They In cases where an emergency event may be inevitable, you should have adopted coping strategies after previous experiences in dealing strive to reduce its impact on the community. If such an emergency with disasters. Filipinos possess good qualities and characteristics should take place, your system should be capable of responding to it. that are essential in times of disasters. These qualities include: Finally, emergency preparedness involves being able to cope with the "damayan and bayanihan spirit" or a good sense of cooperation, consequences of an emergency. This includes recovering and "madiskarte" or being resourceful, and "masayahin" or joyful. The redeveloping to a higher level of resilience after the emergency event. people's cooperative spirit, manifested through the presence of community organizations and volunteers, is considered a good Principles of Emergency Preparedness resource in times of crisis (Heijmans and Victoria, 2001). The United Nations Commission and Human Rights (UNCHR) and the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC, 2003) outlined some The spirit of cooperation is embedded in the system of the people as principles that are considered in emergency preparedness. These such during a disaster it is not difficult to organize the vulnerable principles are listed below. communities and mobilize them to participate in disaster risk reduction 1. Emergency preparedness is the responsibility of all. management. The local government units are expected to facilitate the 2. Emergency prepäredness should be woven into the community formation and training of the organized community groups. The local and administrative context and should be undertaken at all communities as right bearers can participate in disaster risk reduction administrative levels of both government and non-governmental activities (Kafle and Murshed, 2006). organizations. 3. Emergency preparedness is based on vulnerability assessment. Community action in disaster risk reduction is facilitated by factual 4. Emergency preparedness is connected to other aspects of information on hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities. What hinders emergency management. people's participation is their lack of information and preparedness to act. The local authorities are mandated to establish the necessary 5. Emergency preparedness should concentrate on process and mechanisms for local information. Cultural and social institutions, such people rather than documentation. as churches, schools, and associations may be utilized for this 6. Emergency preparedness should not be done in isolation. purpose (Kafle and Murshed, 2006). 7. Emergency preparedness should not concentrate only on disasters but integrate prevention and response strategies for any Before Disaster scale of the emergency. Principles and Elements of Emergency Preparedness Emergency preparedness is best located in the overall discourse Elements of Emergency Preparedness about disaster management. As local disaster managers, we are The UNCHR and NDCC (2003) likewise identified the elements of responsible for promoting and making it possible for your locality to emergency preparedness that the localities may need for effective achieve emergency readiness. To reduce or avoid risks, the local action. These elements are outlined at the next page. authorities, together with the community must instill emergency 08 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 7 of 8  SH1639 1. Legal frameworks and enabling policies for emergency 3. Preservation or restoration of the functions of natural systems, management. such as forest management, erosion control, and wetland 2. The collection, analysis, and dissemination of vulnerability restoration and preservation to minimize damage and losses; information. 4. Education of citizens, elected officials, and property owners about 3. Management systems for emergency preparedness. hazards and potential ways to mitigate them; and 4. Public awareness and community participation. 5. Reduction or elimination of long-term risk. The elements of emergency preparedness identified above are the -- For more information about Reducing Disaster Risk at the Local requirements for a successful response and recovery interventions. Community Level, refer to 08 Handout 2. On Prevention and Mitigation -- For more information about Disaster Recovery, refer to 08 Prevention refers to the process of minimizing the risks caused by Handout 3. hazards in the area including old buildings and dilapidated houses, apparatuses, furniture, and the natural hazards of the area. To reduce risks, the UNESCO (n.d.) identified actions that must be taken into Reference: consideration. These actions are as follows: Lanada, M.I.B., Melegrito, M.L.F., & Mendoza, D.J. (2016). Building 1. Undertake building inspection and alter factors that constitute a resilient communities: Disaster readiness and risk reduction. potential hazard. Phoenix Publishing House 2. Create routine housekeeping and maintenance measures to withstand disasters in buildings and surrounding areas. 3. Install automatic fire detection, extinguishing systems, and water- sensing alarms. 4. Take special precautions during unusual periods of increased risk such as building renovation. 5. Make special arrangements to ensure the safety of library or archival materials when exhibited. 6. Provide security copies of vital records such as collection inventories and store these off-site. Mitigation is the act of minimizing loss of life and destruction of properties by decreasing the impact of disasters. Employing mitigation activities reduce vulnerability to threats and hazards. Below are the different types of mitigation activities that may be employed: 1. Presence of local land use or comprehensive plans which embody the goals, values, and aspirations of the community as expressed through a process of community engagement; 2. Modification of existing structures and infrastructure to protect them from a hazard or remove them from hazardous areas; 08 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 8 of 8